Mount Kinabalu 2008

Mount Kinabalu trip 2008 - a travelogue

24th
and 25th April 2008 were the key dates for us
to remember. Twelve of us embarked on a journey to climb the highest
peak in
Malaysia. Yes, Mount Kinabalu. We chose the Mesilau Summit
Trail for the climb. Whilst a few of us in the group climbed Mount
Kinabalu before, none of us experienced the Mesilau trail.

Why Mesilau trail, as one of the members from another group asked?
Dogbert responded, “insanity!” Mesilau trail
involves
trekking Mesilau Nature Park on the Mesilau plateau. It is about 2 km
longer
than Timpohon trail, but has more flora views to
offer, than Timpohon’s “endless” uneven
steps.

By the way, in case anyone thinks Mount Kinabalu is the tallest
mountain in South East Asia, that is no longer the case. Wikipedia has more. It is fourth tallest; and in
top 20 in the Prominence list.

< Mesilau
Gate

We
participated in Lafuma Mountain Conquest 2008, a year-long event
organised by Lafuma
Malaysia. We were informed the conquest is not limited to
just mountains
so long the activity involves challenges of some significance. We
spotted the promo
by chance on the Net via a blog. We registered our group as Team
Cybersquad. Here, we posed in front of Mesilau gate, just
before we began the climb. All excess baggage was handled by porters at
a
charge of RM8 per kg, and a weighing scale was actually brought in to
ensure
fairness to both sides.
Waterfall
>

There are a number of small waterfalls and streams
along the trail. This particular fall allows one to go near it for
photography,
and rest.

< Kipuyut
Suspension
Bridge

The suspension bridge offers a breathtaking
view of the small waterfall on the right and the moderately-wide stream
below.
We spent a few minutes photographing and enjoying the surrounding area.
KT was seen emphasising a point to Tze Min. This bridge is very sturdy
and less swingy.
A
Bug's Life >

This was one of the more interesting insects we
stumbled upon, although we do not have a clue about its name. KT
offered his
finger for scale.

< Mesilau Forest

Parts of Mesilau park are quite densed as there are parts of open
spaces where one can view the mount and the valleys and villages
beneath.

Mesilau vs Timpohon: For those who aim for more challenge, more diverse
nature and breathtaking views, this is the trail for them; and Timpohon
trail is for those whose objective is to reach the peak with the least
distance traveled.

This trail is new, suggesting less crowd, and not many are aware of
this beautiful trek—the serial number appearing on the
certificate (“via Mesilau Summit Trail”) is still 5
digits
(4xxxx) whereas the Low’s Peak certificate is bearing 6
digits
(16xxxx)—one can more or less gauge the number of visitors
climbing the two trails. Oh yes, you get two coloured certificates by
using this trail up.

In my short opinion, Timpohon trail is plain boring. I’m sure
those who have tried both trails will agree with me. Photographers will
definitely appreciate its assorted perspectives. Obvious tip: If you
are using this trail, a camera is a “must have”.

Terrain
>

The terrain after Layang Layang will continue for a certain distance
before reaching Laban Rata resthouse. Water and electricity travel on
the rails alongside the climbers. This section of the trail is after
the intersection of Mesilau and Timpohon trails. More traffic can be
expected from here on. Nice place for photography, by the way.

< Sunset at
Laban Rata

It was drizzling on the way up till the Laban Rata hut. Before we
checked in to the rooms, few of us landed at this helipad for some
photographs. It was sunset at this time, though the sun was no where to
be seen but produced the magenta sky far beyond. 'Cotton' clouds
covered the valley beneath. Tip: Get your shower latest by 7:30 pm, as
we were told the shower heater in Laban Rata hut will be turned off by
then, meaning you get cold water shower after that!
Star
Streaks
& Donkey's Ears Peak >

Me and Dogbert came down from Laban Rata room at 1:30 in the morning
to capture the mountain ridge, with Donkey’s Ears Peak at far
right. Aimed with the tripod, I did a long exposure shot of the huge
granite rock. Moonlight provided some light reflection; along with star
streaks. We were lucky to be presented with this photography
opportunity—the view of the clear, night sky was just
awesome. We
spent about 15 minutes all in all. Later, our group began the night
climb (Day 2 as commonly known) at 2:30 am after a short briefing by
our guide. Tip: Start your climb at 2:00 am, if possible, so that you
can catch the sunrise at Low’s Peak. And climb slow, you
don’t want to catch altitude sickness. Another tip: Sleep
early
the night before to allow your body to acclimatise to high altitude.

< Breaking
Thru

Look East! A perfect sunrise was not expected, as there was rain the
night before. Short of reaching Low’s Peak, I took this
snapshot
of sunlight breaking thru the clouds with its rays.
Racing
to the Peak >

Scores of climbers on the way to Low's Peak. A remarkable sight of
determination and perseverance. Sunrise on the right produced this
silhouette that reminds one of "I Know What You Did Last Summer". Or
"Urban Legends".

< Raging
Clouds

Clouds are expected to rise after sunrise to envelope the plateau. This
morning’s phenomenon saw a series of raging clouds
approaching in
layer or wave-like formation, slowly engulfing the peak.
Mission
Possible >

All twelve of us, Cybersquad, made it to the top. Clockwise from
leftmost: Tze Min, me, KT, Brian, Dogbert, Edna (organiser), Chang
Chern, Lee Hsia, Lee Phin, Yen Ling, Cherie and Margaret. We hanged out
around the peak for some (not overly long) time for sufficient
photography, just as the rest who made it to the top. As the area is
small, it was completely populated in no time, and we
couldn’t
(and shouldn’t) stay long, as those waiting below and along
the
way were waiting for the opportunity to be there too! It seems the two
signs erected right at the top are vital evidences of achievement. I
believe that is true! The wired railings on the right is to deter
further advances to the right, a fall that will land one into
Low’s Gully. We finally held up the Lafuma banner once again.

< St. John's
Peak

With the right quantum of light, St. John’s Peak displays
that
part of the rock surface that resembles a human face—check
out
the right side.
Up
and Down >

“Heavy” traffic was seen both ways. Watching
sunrise right
from Low’s Peak may not be everyone’s ultimate wish
so long
they reach there. Many appeared to be rushing back down to the huts to
pack stuff and leave. This is no surprise, as all needs to reach
Timpohon (or Mesilau) gates before night falls.

< Mountains

A magnificent view of ranges of mountain far away. This was our
opportunity to tilt our heads and "look down" on the
mountains—no
more looking up!
Trip
to Horizon >

As Edna and Brian were heading off towards the horizon, this
spectacular view, with ranges of mountains far away, leads one to think
of the great depths just beyond the “edge” of the
plateau.

< Life Rope

The white rope is a lifesaver, without it, one can remain here forever,
figuratively speaking. At times, one needs to hold on to it for
descending on very steep slopes, where they are chained to steel hooks
hammered deep into the rocks. This rope begins from Laban Rata all the
way to the top. Tip: Don’t take out your
gloves—they
provide better grips, especially during “wet”
climb.
Another tip: Always follow close to the rope; do not stray too far
away. You may see the rope from 10 metres away and strill carry on the
journey, but when clouds fog the area, even 10 feet visibility can be a
struggle. Another tip if you encounter heavy fog: If your torchlight or
headlamp has amber or red light capability, use them, especially on the
way up. They give better contrast.
Hanging
On >

Descending can be quicker but one still needs to exercise care. Our
guide Wilbert doesn’t need the rope to traverse the steep,
treacherous slopes. He was holding on to my trekking pole so that I
could use the rope. We see Tze Min and Chang Chern’s turn to
use
the rope. One can easily forgot he/she had once held on tight on this
rope during the night climb. The only difference is it felt safer
during the ascend as no dangerous surrounding was visible in the dark!

< I've Done
It!

Here I was taking a breather to enjoy the vast scenery from the mount.
I was sporting a smooth Lafuma socks with another sports
socks as
second layer, not because of cold but to fill that little gap in my
trekking shoes.

Tze Min took my picture whilst I grinned to my own accomplishment. How
I wished I could stay longer there to feel absorbed into the
environment.
Monkey-Cup
>

After checking out from Laban Rata resthouse, we headed back down on
Timpohon trail, braving the rainy weather throught the entire journey.
The trekking pole / walking stick was extremely useful during this time.

This photo was taken along the way down to Timpohon gate. As one of the
most beautiful flora items, this pitcher plant was photographed by our
guide, Jemin, from deep inside the woods. The plant is not visible from
the main trail. He borrowed my Olympus mju 1030SW and whistled all the
way, until complete silence, into the woods to shoot this. It was more
than drizzle at that time, and I continued my journey, with a pair of
injured knees. Earlier, he dropped the Olympus camera into a deep mud
when I was passing it to him to remove a speck of dirt from the lens
cover, since I was wearing gloves and was not able to do it myself. He
apologised profusely so much so I couldn’t interrupt to
explain
the features of the point and shoot camera, that it is capable of
underwater shooting, drop and crush resistance and etc. I poured water
to wash off the mud from it. After all that elaboration, he uttered a
short, “oooh!” It was a hilarious moment.
Unfortunately
during this time, no Rafflesia was available.

The last hour was raining cats and dogs and night came much earlier at
six plus until few of us had to turn on our headlamp before finally
step past Timpohon Gate. My suffering knees initially gave me the
feeling of one way ticket to the top. Lone travel, coupled with cold
temperature (which I liked) and rain, gave me the motivation and
challenge to finish what I started - I believe.
Side note: I was asked if the climb
was "hell?" I
jokingly replied, "I went through hell to get to the heavens." Truly
speaking, it wasn't at all, provided one has done sufficient training,
or has the benefit of youth.